<div>An Arithmetic Problem and SolutionAnalysis/Opinion by Dean SilverAshlandThe city has a shortage of office space. The mayor and the city manager want to build a “civic campus” for $15M [minimum]. They complain about paying $80k/yr for office space.Q: If they pay DOUBLE what they pay now to lease space, i.e., $160K/yr, how many years would that equal the cost of financing a $15M purchase AT ZERO PERCENT INTEREST?A: 93.7 yearsNow add interest and a more realistic final cost.Question for you, neighbors: which makes more sense?Hot tip for the mayor and city manager: there is office space available now for lease on Lithia Way for $16,254/yr. The entire building is for sale for $2,265,000 for 10,088 sq ft, or $224.52/sq ft. (“motivated seller”). A mortgage @6% for 30 years with no down payment would cost the city $178,783/year.Friendly advice for the mayor and city manager: the public will NEVER gift you a bond for your dream palace, so just stop wasting time and energy on it.As long as you push that untenable option, it will be impossible to determine what to do to City Hall. Too many competing variables, impossible to scope.Just accept that the residents value City Hall and insist it be saved and renovated, and know that it can be done without unnecessary enhancements at a reasonable cost.Operations and financial responsibility are your top priorities. Stop chasing a dream.And stop being afraid to live and work in southern Oregon, or more accurately stop using fear of earthquakes as an excuse not doing what needs to be done .Simultaneously, drop your frivolous and ridiculous lawsuit attempting to steal City Hall. It will undoubtedly wind up costing the City when the heirs are awarded legal fees, if not more.To say nothing of the ethics.It’s time for the Council to take control.<ul><li>Dean Silver : Author</li></ul><ul><li>Dean Silver is a freelance writer from Ashland, Oregon. His focus is on transparency and accountability of local government. </li></ul></div>

Block Source: theashlandchronicle.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

The city has a shortage of office space. The mayor and the city manager want to build a “civic campus” for $15M [minimum]. They complain about paying $80k/yr for office space. Q: If they pay DOUBLE what they pay now to lease space, i.e., $160K/yr, how many years...

Guest Opinion: City of Ashland’s Office Space Needs – An Arithmetic Problem & Solution

NewsBreak

The city has a shortage of office space. The mayor and the city manager want to build a “civic campus” for $15M [minimum]. They complain about paying $80k/

Guest Opinion: City of Ashland’s Office Space Needs – An Arithmetic Problem & Solution

Comments